Bills · S 898
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 898International Affairs
UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2025
INTRO MAR 6· LAST ACTION MAR 6
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
6
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it directly addresses the humanitarian crisis, particularly in Gaza, where millions face severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, risking famine and disease. If this bill becomes law, it would unlock vital U.S. funding for UNRWA, which is a major provider of aid to Palestinian refugees. This could significantly alleviate suffering and stabilize conditions for vulnerable populations in the region.
If the bill does not become law, U.S. funding to UNRWA would remain blocked, potentially worsening humanitarian conditions and putting more pressure on other international aid organizations. Voters should care because U.S. policy towards international aid and humanitarian crises has global implications, affecting not only the lives of those in need but also U.S. strategic and moral interests in the Middle East. It's about how the U.S. contributes to international relief efforts and its role in addressing global humanitarian challenges.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Repeals current U.S. laws that block funding to UNRWA, effectively lifting the ban on U.S. financial support.
This is the core action, directly enabling the flow of U.S. funds to UNRWA for humanitarian aid.
PROVISION 02
Directs the Secretary of State to resume providing funding to UNRWA as soon as possible, consistent with existing authorities for lifesaving aid.
This ensures the executive branch acts quickly to restore the financial support once legal barriers are removed.
PROVISION 03
Requires the President to rescind an Executive Order from February 2025 that stopped funding to certain United Nations organizations, including UNRWA.
This removes a recent executive action that compounded the halt in funding, ensuring a comprehensive restoration.
PROVISION 04
Establishes that continued U.S. funding should be assessed based on UNRWA's implementation of recommendations from an independent review (the Colonna report) regarding accountability and transparency.
This links future funding to UNRWA's ongoing efforts to improve its operations and address concerns about neutrality.
PROVISION 05
Mandates regular quarterly reports from the Secretary of State to Congress through December 2028, detailing UNRWA's progress in implementing the independent review's recommendations.
This provides ongoing oversight and accountability for how UNRWA uses U.S. funds and adheres to reform efforts.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 6
D· Vermont
YRS IN OFFICE
19
BILLS LED
83
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 5 REP 0 IND 1
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAR 6
Introduced in Senate
MAR 6
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 898
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMar 6, 2025
Last actionMar 6, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 6, 2025
Senate BillS 898International Affairs
UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2025
INTRODUCED MAR 6, 2025· LAST ACTION MAR 6, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
6
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
